Orange Senegal, previously known as Sonatel Mobiles, is a subsidiary of the French multinational telecommunications corporation, Orange S.A. The company, originally established as Société Nationale des Télécommunications du Senegal (Sonatel) in 1985, has been a pivotal player in Senegal's telecommunications landscape. Orange S.A. holds a 42.33% controlling stake in Sonatel, which is listed on the Bourse Régionale des Valeurs Mobilières (BRVM). The headquarters of Sonatel are located in Dakar, the capital of Senegal. Over the years, Orange Senegal has expanded its services to include fixed line telephony, mobile telephony, internet service, television, and corporate telecommunications. The company has been actively involved in the construction of fibre optics networks in Africa, managing 2,200 kilometers of fibre cable in Senegal.
Country
Senegal
Type
Mobile Network Operator
Ownership
Orange Group
Orange logo

3G Network

Orange Senegal launched its 3G services using the UMTS B1 (2100 MHz) frequency band in February 2011. The deployment of the 3G network significantly enhanced mobile connectivity in Senegal, providing faster data services and improved coverage. As of 2023, Orange Senegal's 3G network was still operational, offering extensive coverage across various regions of the country. However, with the advent of newer technologies, plans for phasing out older networks in favour of 4G and 5G have been discussed, although specific shutdown dates for the 3G network in Senegal have not been confirmed.

Network Frequency Band Status
B1 (2100 MHz)
Active
B8 (900 MHz)
Active
Date Event Subtype
Launch of 3G Network
Launch

4G Network

Orange Senegal commercially launched its 4G network on January 29, 2016, using the LTE1800 frequency band. The introduction of 4G services marked a significant milestone in the company's history, allowing for faster internet speeds and better connectivity. The network initially covered major cities and regions, and over time, Orange Senegal invested in expanding its 4G infrastructure to provide more extensive coverage and improved performance. By 2023, Orange Senegal had achieved extensive 4G coverage across the country, supporting a wide range of mobile services, including international roaming and value-added services.

4G Frequency Bands
Network Frequency Band Status Known EARFCNs
B3 (1800 MHz)
Active
1464
B7 (2600 MHz)
Active
2850
B20 (800 MHz)
Active
6300
Date Event Subtype
Launch of 3G Network
Launch

5G Network

Orange Senegal began exploring 5G technology with its first test in Dakar in November 2020, in partnership with Chinese hardware vendor Huawei. A subsequent test in December 2021, in collaboration with Nokia, achieved data speeds of up to 2Gbps in the commune of Saly in the Thies region. The company officially launched its 5G services on June 1, 2024, with initial coverage in major cities such as Dakar, Thiès, Saint-Louis, Diourbel, Kaolack, and Louga, deploying 176 sites. The launch was announced by CEO Sékou Dramé on May 21, 2024. The 5G network promises download speeds up to 10 times faster than 4G, enabling real-time applications like online gaming, virtual reality, telemedicine, and e-education. The introduction of 5G is expected to enhance connectivity, stimulate innovation, and boost economic growth in Senegal.

Network Frequency Band Status
n78 (3500 MHz)
Active
Date Event Subtype
Launch of 5G Network
Launch